Assam Chief Minister's Controversial Remarks Spark Debate on Language and Identity

Political Tensions Rise Over Language and Identity in Assam

The Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, is actively working to repatriate Bangladeshi infiltrators and Rohingyas while also swiftly reclaiming government land from encroachers. Additionally, he is taking steps to promote and preserve Assam's culture, language, and ancient traditions. Recently, Sarma announced that indicating Bengali as a mother tongue in the census would reflect the number of foreign nationals in the state. This statement has ignited intense political and social discussions. It is important to note that his comment was a response to a threat from Mainuddin Ali, a leader of the All BTC Minority Students Union (ABMSU), who claimed that Bengali-speaking Muslims would no longer list Assamese as their mother tongue in the census. This issue transcends mere language; it intertwines identity, citizenship, political agendas, and social divisions.

Language as a Tool for Identity in a Multilingual State

In a diverse and multilingual state like Assam, language serves not only as a means of communication but also as a foundation for cultural and political identity. Sarma's remarks indicate that the state government views language as a tool for identifying 'foreigners' or 'infiltrators.' In contrast, the ABMSU argues that the choice of language is an expression of personal identity rather than a component of a specific political agenda.

Controversy Surrounds Land Encroachment and Community Displacement

Since the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam, there has been a prevailing perception that Bengali-speaking Muslims are outsiders, particularly those from Bangladesh. Recently, the removal of encroachments on 3,500 bighas of land in Dhubri district has become a focal point of contention for the ABMSU. This land is proposed for a 3,400 MW thermal power plant by the Adani Group. The ABMSU and local residents allege that their traditional homes and livelihoods are being sacrificed for corporate interests, while the government labels it as 'removal of encroachments' and 'development.'

Political Backlash and Calls for Accountability

In response to Mainuddin Ali's comments, various political parties have expressed their opposition and demanded his arrest, leading to an FIR being filed against him at the Dispur police station in Guwahati. This situation highlights the sensitivity surrounding statements related to language and identity in Assam. The process of dividing communities based on language can severely harm social harmony. It is crucial to recognize that if individuals choose their language out of fear or pressure, the census data will be biased and unbalanced.

Ongoing Anti-Encroachment Campaign and Political Promises

While emphasizing the continuation of the anti-encroachment campaign, Chief Minister Sarma stated that over 25,000 acres of land have been freed from encroachment across the state in the past four years. However, the Congress party has criticized this campaign, promising that if they come to power, all Indian citizens displaced during the BJP's tenure will receive adequate compensation. Sarma announced that he would hold another press conference next week to present all data related to the anti-encroachment efforts since he took office in May 2021. Meanwhile, Congress MP Rakibul Hussain from Dhubri stated that if their party gains power, they will compensate all Indian citizens displaced under the BJP government.

Preserving Indigenous Beliefs and Traditions

Additionally, Chief Minister Sarma has claimed that indigenous religious beliefs have suffered due to various factors, including conversion. After inaugurating a newly constructed Bathou temple in Tamulpur, he questioned how many people are familiar with Assam's Bathou religion. He acknowledged the damage caused to ancient indigenous faiths and announced the establishment of Bathou Thanashali in Dispur, recognizing the ancient beliefs of the Bodoland community. Sarma affirmed the state government's commitment to reviving and preserving these ancient beliefs.